‘A symbol of sharing’: Totem pole embodies cross-cultural connections

A 25-foot, 2,600 pound totem pole stands tall on the northwest corner of Emily Carr's Vancouver campus. The project was by Tlingit, Tahltan and Maori carvers.

The totem pole ‘Pacific Song of the Ancestors’ was finally unveiled after eight years of work.

The 25-foot, 2,600-pound pole stands tall inside the northwest corner of Emily Carr’s Vancouver campus and was a collaboration between master carvers Dempsey Bob, Stan Bevan and Lyonel Grant.

“Every time I look at it I’m thinking of Dempsey and Stan and the tradition that they bring to the table,” said the Grant, a Māori carver. “I think of our ancestors and how that collective song and that totem is in harmony.

“At a very fundamental level it’s really a symbol of the connection of our ancestors, and we are just the instruments of those ancestors — it’s deep and spiritual but it’s also just friends working together to create something beautiful that’s going to last lifetimes, long after we’re gone.“

The decision to place the pole inside was intentional. As none of the carvers are from the host nations, nor are totem poles traditionally from Vancouver, the ‘Pacific Song of the Ancestors’ pole was unveiled inside as a permanent installation.

Grant has known Bob for over 25 years and their friendship played a major role in Grant’s involvement in the project. Bob introduced him to Brenda Crabtree, the former director of Aboriginal programs at Emily Carr during a festival in Whitehorse and he was later invited to be a part of the project.

“This whole project is about community, communication and respect for Indigenous art, education and culture,” said Crabtree in a release.

“(It’s) about connecting with Indigenous artists from other communities, learning about and honouring their artistic traditions, and providing an opportunity for the public to experience this diversity.”